He continues to see questions asked of his future in England, and has admitted that he intends to head home at some stage, and Costacurta has talked up his claims to a return to international coaching.

The former Italy defender, who is now vice-commissioner to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Of all the potential candidates, for me, Antonio Conte would be the best.

“I’m sure we will find a new man within a couple of months.”

He added: “I have not made my final decision yet.

“Conte has already been in charge of the national team but that does not mean that I will ignore people like Roberto Mancini, Carlo Ancelotti or even the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Gian Piero Gasperini or Marco Giampaolo. They would all do well.”

While there are several options under consideration, one man who is not in the running is AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso.